Pike National Forest
Salt Creek Trail #618

This 8 mile, moderately difficult trail runs along the eastern edge of the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Area. Most folks use this trail in the summer and fall.

Elevations:

• Trail beginning: 10,000'
• High Point: 10,100'
• Trail ending: 10,000'

Access: There are several access points to this trail but the easiest is to take Forest Service Road 435 (the Salt Creek Road) west from US 285, southwest of Antero Reservoir. The trailhead is at the end of the road.

Notes: The Buffalo Peaks Wilderness is not very rugged, which means hiking here can be relatively easy and rewarding. The fishing tends to be good, the peaks are easy to climb and the trails are not very crowded. There is also a good network of trails to follow, once you get out in the woods a bit (but bring a good map, a compass, and maybe a GPS device). The Salt Creek Trail eventually intersects with the Rough and Tumbling Creek Trail, and if you follow that you can make a tour completely around the Buffalo Peaks and come back to where you started.

USGS Maps: Marmot Peak, Jones Hill

Trail map